Loke, who is Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman, said all PH election machinery should work hard, both at the federal and state levels, to achieve that purpose.

The seat is vacant following the death of Dr Md Farid Md Rafik yesterday. Farid, 42, who was a deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, died in hospital and is believed to have suffered a heart attack.

Farid, who was vice-chairman of PPBM in Tanjung Piai, won the seat at the 2018 general election by defeating Wee Jeck Seng (MCA-Barisan Nasional) with a majority of 524 votes.

In a speech at the Negeri Sembilan DAP convention today, Loke said: “In appreciation of Dr Md Farid’s deeds and contributions, we must work hard and mobilise our election machinery to retain the seat.”

Loke, who is transport minister, also described Farid’s death as a great loss to PH and the country.

A minute’s silence was observed.